[5][better source needed] It is widely used by the Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Ladakhi, Mongolian, Buryat, and Tuvan peoples on various occasions.

In Nepal, a khata is used as a gift for various occasions like wedding, graduation, electoral victory, winning an award and several other major lifestones.

According to the Bon historical record, people would put sheep wool around their necks during the time of the ninth king, Degong Jayshi, and head for some religious rituals.

So, the scarf replaced the plain sheep's wool and people put scarves on the neck and head.

The khata symbolizes purity and compassion and is worn or presented with incense at many ceremonial occasions, including births, weddings, funerals, graduations and the arrival or departure of guests.